How do you know when you're ready to have a baby?

[carole]

I say GO FOR IT, if you both feel ready then that is the right time for you to have your baby you are at a good age too, don't leave it too long, i know mother's are choosing to have babies later in life these days, but I have done both and personally I think having my first child at 24 was a better choice, I now feel less tolerant and tired and so much older than all the other mother's out there,everyone is right in saying if you wait until you are financially secure, you might be waiting along time.

Yes babies do change your lives forever, but for me I did not find it such an upheavel, it was what I wanted so much, that any sacrafices I made were well worth it, and life just went on.,it really was no big deal to me.,because I was indeed mature enough and ready for it all I think.

[Jessika]

Well you can be ready mentally but not financially. Theres no "guide" to say whether or not you're ready for a baby, you just know.

Personally I feel I am responsible and mature enough to have a child of my own right now if I wanted, but I won't because I'm not financially stable, don't have a stable or large enough place to stay, and I just don't WANT that "obligation" right now in my life. But once all those factors are set straight, you can bet I'll be considering it!!

Good luck with whatever you choose!!

[catnapper]

I guess its the same as when you know you DON'T want a baby.... I look at a baby and see a screaming alien ready to suck up your time, money, energy. If you look at a baby and melt inside -- you are ready to have one

Good luck! Having a ababy is a wonderful thing, and I'm sure you'd make a great mom.

[Corinna]

Every one has covered when ready .I however want to warn you about the transistion from birth control to none . Use a back up (condom or spermiside for a month or two. You could become pregnant with a lot of the hormone in your system not a good thing . Talk to your doctor I became pregnate while on the pill I think some of my son's challages are a result.
Catnapper I thought I was the only one who saw that vision . Glad to know I'm not.

[jackie]

Every one has covered when ready .I however want to warn you about the transistion from birth control to none . Use a back up (condom or spermiside for a month or two. You could become pregnant with a lot of the hormone in your system not a good thing .

^ I agree.

For me, ready is being married, owning my own home, with little debt. I was raised by a single mother with little cash, and I saw how hard it was for her. I would never want to go through that.

[JenBKR]

Thank you so much guys! I feel better after reading that I'm not the only one who worries. I think that part of my problem is that my husband doesn't worry about money, so I have to worry for the both of us Anyway, after going off of birth control, we are planning to use back up for about three months (that's what the doctor said to do, just in case). I'm a little nervous, but really excited Thank you!!